Illuminated work zone barrier

Abstract

A traffic barrier includes a positionable structure having an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls defines a sealably enclosed space. A light-transmissive medium such as water fills the sealably enclosed space, and a light source is inserted into the light-transmissive medium through a port in one of the plurality of walls. Light energy produced by the light source is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the positionable structure to illuminate the exterior surface. The traffic barrier may include a plurality of positionable structures interconnectedly positioned at right angles on a rigid skid-mounted framework to form a protective flagger station.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/515,334, which was filed on Oct. 29, 2003, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to barriers for use in a traffic or road system work zone. In particular, the present invention relates to illuminated work zone barriers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Temporary barriers or abutments are used widely in a variety of traffic or road system applications to guide traffic through an otherwise non-standard path of the road system. For example, such barriers may be used to define one or more temporary traffic lanes in order divert traffic away from one or more standard lanes in the road way so that road way maintenance or construction work may proceed without traffic in the diverted lanes.

In order to restrain vehicles that may make accidental contact with the temporary barriers, such barriers have traditionally been made to resist associated movement by being constructed from dense, heavy materials (for example, concrete). However, such barriers are also difficult to move to define alternate temporary lanes, as well as to other work sites.

In order to address these limitations, hollow barriers have been constructed from plastics and other materials for use in traffic and road way applications (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,391, “Process To Manufacture In Situ Safety Barriers For Roads”, which was issued on Aug. 11, 1992 and is hereby incorporated by reference). These hollow barriers are light-weight, may be easily stored, and may be easily moved to and placed in position at a work site. Once in place, various materials (for example, such as concrete and sand) may be used to fill portions of the hollow barriers to serve as a ballast enabling the barriers to resist further movement after being positioned.

Such temporary barriers however can be poorly lighted at night, and confusing to motorists who are unfamiliar with the altered, non-standard traffic patterns. These barriers may commonly have reflectors attached to the sides of the barriers for improved night-time visibility. However, such reflectors are often damaged or knocked off during use or handling, leaving the little warning for the motorist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A novel traffic barrier is disclosed, comprising a positionable structure having an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls that define a sealably enclosed space, a light-transmissive medium filling the sealably enclosed space, and a light source insertably and sealably mounted through a port in one of the plurality of walls. Light energy produced by the light source is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the positionable structure such that the exterior surface of the positionable structure is illuminated, providing improved barrier visibility for motorists at night.

The light source is preferably a low-voltage lighting device, and may comprise for example an incandescent lamp, a fluorescent lamp or a light-emitting diode (LED). The light transmissive medium is preferably water. The plurality of walls of the positionable structure are preferably produced as a plastic molding, where the plastic is selected to be molded in a safety yellow/green color.

In one disclosed embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of postionable structures define a protective flagger station. Specifically, the protective flagger station may be constructed to include first, second and third positionable structures each positioned at an angle in relation to one of the other positionable structures to define an interior protected area that may be safely occupied by the flagger. Preferably, each of the positionable structures includes first and second matable features respectively located in opposing end walls of the plurality of walls for interconnecting the positionable structure. In addition, first and second corner structured include the first and second matable features, and are configured to interconnect to adjacent positionable structures these structures at the selected angle.

In addition, the positionable structures and corner structure are preferably held in a fixed formation on a rigid base constructed as a skid-mounted steel framework. Two wheels may be mounted at an end of the framework to facilitate movement of the station. A variety of additional safety devices and elements (for example, flashing lamps, warning alarms, warning signage, reflective sheeting and the like) may be further incorporated as part of the station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the invention may be obtained by reading the following description of specific illustrative embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 provides a top view of a traffic barrier configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 provides a side view of the traffic barrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 provides an end view of the traffic barrier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 provides a top view of a protective flagger station barrier configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 provides a front view of the protective flagger station of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 provides a side view of the protective flagger station of FIG. 4.

In the various figures, like reference numerals wherever possible designate like or similar elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description includes a description of the best mode or modes of the invention presently contemplated. Such description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but to be an example of the invention presented solely for illustration thereof, and by reference to which in connection with the following description and the accompanying drawing one skilled in the art may be advised of the advantages and construction of the invention.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a water filled barrier wall lighting device 100 comprising one embodiment of the present invention. Work zones can be poorly lighted at night and confusing to motorists. The concrete barrier wall commonly used may have reflectors attached to the sides. However, such reflectors are often damaged or knocked off during use or handling, leaving the dark concrete as the only guidance for the motorist

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a low voltage lighting device 1 is added at a port 2 in a plastic water-filled highway barrier 3 to internally illuminate consecutive sections. Plastic highway barriers are well-known in the art, and are available, for example, from United Rentals Highway Technologies, Inc. of Greenwich, Conn. The lighted barriers 3 are thereby able, for example, to provide motorists with positive guidance through a construction work zone during evening and night hours. The low voltage light source 1 can comprise incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, LED's or any other light-producing device. The light source 1 may be configures as an array of light sources (not shown), or as a single source. The light source 1 may also be enhanced using an optic lens (not shown) or the like.

A low voltage power supply 4 provides power to one or more light sources 1 in one or more barriers at a time. Low voltage power supply 4 may include batteries, and/or be assisted by solar power. The light source 1 may also be triggered to automatically light at dusk and turn off during daylight hours.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, each of the barriers 3 further include first and second matable features 5, 6 in end walls 7, 8 of the barriers 3 for interconnecting successive ones of the barriers 3.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention consisting of a protective flagger station 200. Flaggers are at high risk in construction work zones. Even if wearing reflective vests, flaggers are not always easily seen by approaching motorists. The protective flagger station 200 provides a more noticeable object to motorists, and gives the flaggers a visible barrier to stand behind.

The protective flagger station 200 includes of a rigid base 20, which is arranged to hold an array of water filled barriers 3 in a formation that will produce a protective shield from vehicular traffic for a flagger in a construction work zone. The station 200 is preferably a stand-alone unit in which rigid base 20 defines a skid-mounted framework that can be lifted and transported. Alternatively, the framework of the rigid base 20 may incorporate wheels 22 to assist station mobility.

Rigid base 20 may further include a flagger platform 21 to provide a standing surface for the flagger within an area protected by water-filled barriers 3. Rigid base 20 provides the advantage of enabling station 200 to be more easily moved during a highway project, as opposed to a system made of individual barrier segments which would need to be individually disassembled and reassembled as the flagger's position changed during the course of the project.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6, adjacent water-filled barriers 3 are interconnected by means of corner barriers 25 which, like water-filled barriers 3, are preferably plastic water-filled highway barriers and include first and second matable features 5, 6 in end walls 26, 27 for interconnecting to adjacent water-filled barriers 3. Specifically, for example, a first matable feature 5 of one of the barriers 3 is mated with a second mating feature of a corner structure 25, and the first mating feature of the corner structure 25 is mated with a second mating feature of an adjacent barrier 3.

As earlier described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, the water-filled barriers 3 of station 200 are internally illuminated by light sources 1 (not shown) mounted through ports 2 Light sources 1 may each include a flashing light source such as a strobe light 24. Alternatively, strobe light 24 may be externally mounted on a barrier 3 of station 200. Corner barriers 25 may also include ports 2 for mounting light sources 1.

Station 200 may also include a flagger operated warning alarm (not shown) that can be sounded by a flagger in the event that an approaching vehicle posed danger to nearby highway crews, or alternatively sound automatically if the flagger station 200 was impacted by a vehicle to alert nearby crews that the flagger may require assistance. Radar speed monitoring signage (not shown) may also be incorporated as a part of station 200 to warn approaching vehicles that their speed may be excessive. Reflective sheeting (not shown) may also be applied to enhance nighttime visibility. A stop and slow paddle 30 commonly used by flaggers may also be incorporated into the unit to allow the flagger to operate it remotely.

The flagger station 200 may also be include various other safety enhancements, including as bright colors, additional reflectivity devices and additional lighting devices. For example, the plastic selected for the barriers 3, 25 may be molded in a safety yellow/green color thermoplastic such as is available from Bunzl Yakima of Union Gap, Wash.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A traffic barrier comprising:

a positionable structure having an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls defines a sealably enclosed space;

a light-transmissive medium filling the sealably enclosed space; and

a light source insertably and sealably mounted through a port in one of the plurality of walls;

wherein light energy produced by the light source is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the positionable structure such that the exterior surface of the positionable structure is illuminated.

2. The traffic barrier of claim 1, wherein the light source is selected from the group consisting of incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

3. The traffic barrier of claim 1, wherein the light source is a low-voltage lighting device.

4. The traffic barrier of claim 1, wherein the light-transmissive medium is water.

5. The traffic barrier of claim 1, further comprising:

a power source interconnected with the light source for providing power to the light source.

6. The traffic barrier of claim 5, wherein the power source includes one or more batteries.

7. The traffic barrier of claim 5, wherein the power provided includes solar energy.

8. The traffic barrier of claim 5, wherein the power is automatically removed from the light source during daylight hours of a day.

9. A traffic barrier comprising:

a plurality of positionable structures, each structure having: an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls defines a sealably enclosed space, and a light-transmissive medium filling the sealably enclosed space; and

at least one light source insertably and sealably mounted through a port in one of the plurality of walls of at least one of the plurality of positionable structures;

wherein light energy produced by the at least one light source of is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the at least one positionable structure such that the exterior surface of the at least one positionable structure is illuminated.

10. The traffic barrier of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of positionable structures includes first and second matable features in opposing end walls of the plurality of walls, and two or more of the positionable structures are interconnected by mating the first matable feature of one of the two or more positionable structures with the second mating feature of the other of the two or more positionable structures.

11. A protective flagger station comprising:

first, second and third positionable structures, each of the first, second and third structures having: an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls defines a sealably enclosed space, and a light-transmissive medium filling the sealably enclosed space; and

at least one light source insertably and sealably mounted through a port in one of the plurality of walls of at least one of the first, second and third structures;

wherein light energy produced by the at least one light source of is transmitted through the light transmissive medium and the at least one positionable structure such that the exterior surface of the at least one positionable structure is illuminated, and wherein each of the first second and third positionable structures is positioned at an angle in relation to one of the other of the first, second and third positionable structures to define an interior protected area.

12. The protective flagger station of claim 11, wherein the angle is a right angle.

13. The protective flagger station of claim 11, further comprising:

first and second corner structures, each of the first and second corner structures having: an exterior surface defined by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls defines a sealably enclosed space, and a light-transmissive medium filling the sealably enclosed space; wherein each of first, second and third positionable structures includes first and second matable features respectively located in opposing end walls of the plurality of walls, and each of the first and second corner structures includes first and second matable features respectively located in end walls of the plurality of walls defining a corner, and wherein adjacent ones of the first, second and third positionable structures are interconnected via one of the corner structures by mating the first matable feature of one of the positionable structures with the second mating feature of the corner structure and mating the first mating feature of the corner structure with the second mating feature of an adjacent positionable structure.

14. The protective flagger station of claim 11, further comprising:

a rigid base for holding the first, second and third positionable structures in a fixed formation.

15. The protective flagger station of claim 11, wherein the rigid base is a skid-mounted framework, said skid-mounted framework being configured to be liftable and movable.

16. The protective flagger station of claim 15, further comprising two or more wheels rollably attached to a first end of the framework.

17. The protective flagger station of claim 16, wherein the framework is movably postionable along a ground surface by lifting a second end of the framework above the ground surface and moving the framework by means of the two or more wheels.

18. The protective flagger station of claim 14, wherein the least one light source produces a flashing light.

19. The protective flagger station of claim 14, wherein the least one light source is a stroboscopic light.

20. The protective flagger station of claim 14, further comprising:

a flagger-operable warning alarm.

21. The protective flagger station of claim 14, further comprising:

radar speed monitoring signage for providing speed warnings to approaching vehicles.

22. The protective flagger station of claim 14, further comprising:

reflective sheeting applied to a portion of the exterior surface of one or more of the fist, second and third positionable structures.

23. The protective flagger station of claim 14, further comprising:

reflective sheeting applied to a portion of the exterior surface of one or more of the fist and second corner structures.

24. The protective flagger station of claim 14, further comprising:

a stop and slow paddle, said stop and slow paddle being remotely operable.

25. The protective flagger station of claim 14, wherein the rigid base further includes a flagger platform positioned within the interior protected area.

26. The protective flagger station of claim 15, wherein the skid-mounted framework is a steel framework.

27. The traffic barrier of claim 11, wherein the plurality of walls of the positionable structure comprise a molded plastic material.

28. The traffic barrier of claim 27, wherein the molded plastic material is molded in a safety yellow/green color.